Western Rail Road members ratify new UTU pact

Train, engine and mechanical forces represented by the United Transportation Union on shortline Western Rail Road in Texas have ratified a new agreement reached with mediation assistance from the National Mediation Board.

Negotiations were led by UTU Vice President Paul Tibbit and UTU General Chairperson Doyle Turner, who heads the UTU's shortline outreach program.

"This agreement, as with others negotiated with shortlines, brings parity in wages, benefits and work rules to the thousands of employees in the shortline railroad industry, along with the many other protections offered by union membership," Turner said. "The seniority, scope and discipline rules these members now enjoy are what makes union membership valuable."